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►Click on Photo To See and Hear Nightingale Serenade

Jun 29, 2011

"The Smurf Song" Re-Recorded With André Rieu?

"The Smurf Song" Re-Recorded With André Rieu?

Tuesday June 28, 2011: Father Abraham plans to revive "The Smurf Song". "It's not concrete, but I would like a classic version with André Rieu and his orchestra. "That lalala on violin, sounds surprisingly good", said the father. (André Rieu recorded "The Red Rose Café composed by Father Abraham.)
In this way Pierre Kartner, (as Father Abraham was originally called), might start a revival of the Smurfs. However, the return of the Blue Characters seem faster than expected, because on August 3, 2011 'The Smurfs Movie' will premiere in 3D.
The 75-year-old singer does not like the film. "They have denied the original idea of the Smurfs: a peaceful tribe, who live in a mushroom country with lots of green around. In the movie they end up in New York, but the Smurfs do not fit in that big city", he explains in the Flemish Newspaper. "I am perhaps old-fashioned, but I think it should remain a fantasy world. Oh, I will not drink less of my glass of wine tonight ... they still remain my blue friends."
As Father Abraham he wrote the Smurfs Song in 1977, 19 years after the Belgian cartoonist Peyo had created the first story about the blue men. "The song was just what the Smurfs needed to break through worldwide. Even now. They can make as many smurfs songs as they want, but mine remains the most famous one", said Pierre.
Father Abraham was not invited to the great American premiere . "I am a little saddened, yes. I have put the Smurfs on the map around the world, but this is quickly forgotten ..."
Thanks to Ineke for Translating this for us

Jun 25, 2011

Rieu is Maastricht and Maastricht is Rieu

The Long Arm of "Our Dré"
He is the child of the city. André Rieu. Rieu is Maastricht and Maastricht is Rieu. But how much love is there in the city for the Orchestra leader? "What Rieu wants, Rieu gets" is heard more often than not. Talk about the "long arm of our Dré".
André with Mayor Leers
Friday June 24, 2011 de Limburger by Stephan Gybels ... Jan Mans, then Mayor of Maastricht and his spokesperson Joep Delsinge are looking somewhat perplexed. You can see what they are thinking: "What did he just say?"
It is 1 July 2010 at the Theatre on the Vrijthof. Together with Rieu, Mans is conducting a press conference. Rieu is right in the middle of his series of concerts on the Vrijthof. They run simultaneous with the World Cup soccer. If team Orange continues to win, this could result in a problem. In fact, the World Cup final is simultaneous with one of Rieu’s concerts. Watching the final, and then my concert, suggests the stand alone violinist with his well-known enthusiasm. Mans and Delsinge are not convinced. Partying or disappointed Orange fans in combination with Rieu public? And what about security? "This is his worry" says Delsinge hastily. "There are other possibilities." Ultimately the city council’s plan becomes reality. Rieu moved his concert to the afternoon, and eventually plays in the MECC because of the scorching heat that day. The World Cup finals are creating a party in the city center. It is the first time that Rieu, recipient of the honors for services and golden city medal of the city of Maastricht, is at odds with the city council. Eventually everything is solved without too many problems, but still. Insiders say that Rieu would like to have done it differently. In previous years, "Our Dré" gets just about everything he wants. The musician becomes great friends with Gert Leers, and that does him no harm. Just think of his idea of a series of concerts on the Vrijthof. In 2005 Rieu would very willingly like to return to "his" Maastricht, where he in 1999 played his violin for the last time. He wanted to conduct two concerts, for which he needed the cooperation of the city council. That’s going to happen, after a meeting with Leers. "The city council of Maastricht will support him in all aspects of official matters, licensing and traffic matters," these words were to be read exactly in this newspaper the day of the agreement.
No problems, so it seems. "Our Dré" back in the city of his birth. Ten thousand visitors on the square, taping by the German TV and a DVD recording for the many Rieu fans. Maastricht will become world known. But not everything goes according to plan. Inside the council are many doubts about Rieu’s plans. Technical difficulties with permits and really not following the original plans. A completely closed off to all traffic Vrijthof, thirteen days of construction with the accompanying building noise? Whaw, the city official’s members are not too enthusiastic about that. The series of concerts, which will be four, will become reality. Indeed, the city absorbs part of the costs. The city spends about 45,000 Euros on Rieu. Moving the kiosk comes to mind, the manufacturing and placing of special traffic signs and extra cleaning and sweeping of the square. All thanks to the blossoming friendship between Rieu and Leers, is being whispered. Criticism from the suffocating bureaucracy becomes a whirlwind of positivity during and after Rieu’s first performance. The atmosphere on the Vrijthof is unprecedented, pure advertising for Maastricht and mega incomes for the restaurants and cafés. The sky is the limit. And so, the series of concerts, in good Maastricht fashion, become a tradition. Leers philosophizes about a concert hall in the then casino, but it just stays on the Vrijthof. All according to the laws and rules of Rieu.
That seems to again appear to be the rule in 2007 when the world star comes in conflict with the restaurant and cafe owners around the square. Several of them serve too much alcohol, complains Rieu. Please note that the agreement is that during the concerts no one may be served. The orchestra leader threatens to cancel his 2008 concert series. It is again Leers who steps in. He totally agrees with Rieu. All the hotel and café operators will have to sign a code of conduct. No alcohol during the concerts is being emphasized. The first criticisms about the powers of Rieu are rearing their head, what Rieu wants, Rieu gets. But everyone accepts it, in view of the enormous value the concerts give Maastricht. The concert series are still expanding. Rieu’s concert series will grow to six and maybe even eight. The established norm for fifty events on the Vrijthof is being trampled on and is being accepted without opposition.
The other way around was less accepted. When Rieu discovers that merchants in the Basin are using his logo at the registration for his live Vrijthof concert via large screens, he pulls the plug without notice on this collaboration. No more screens throughout the city, with the exception of his own screens in the Platielstraat and Armors square.
Rieu is a control freak. And he is full of ideas which he would like to make a reality as soon as possible. Look at as an example the underground storage area in the side of the St. Pietersberg, and the clashing of heads over the construction of his podium and the procession of the Holy Shrine. Rieu than conveniently makes use of his contacts in the city council. He is not accustomed to anything else. So far everything runs without problems. But what will happen in the future when the orchestra leader comes up with a real controversial plan? Taking into consideration his plans for a concert on the North Pole and the Moon, he is quite capable. How far is the city of Maastricht allowing "Our Dré’s" arm to reach?
Thanks to John for ©Translating this

Jun 24, 2011

Controversy About André Rieu's Building Plan

CONTROVERSY ABOUT RIEU'S BUILDING PLAN
André Rieu would like to build on the east side of the St. Pietersberg, a large underground storage facility and Mayor Onno Hoes supposedly pledged cooperation during a personal meeting.
That appears to be the case according to a letter forwarded to the city council by the architectural office Jo van de Staay who represents Rieu. The storage facility, (50 X 82 feet), close to his Castle "de Torentjes" does not fit into the zoning plan as the site of an agrarian (open field) area of ​​high scenic value.
Through an official consultation response which Rieu has approved according to the architect's office, the construction of the storage facility might still be possible as soon as the new zoning law is adopted. The city rejected the plan before, partly because the planned entry is on an incline on the Urselinenweg, which is a typical hollow road and would disturb the scenery.
Rieu and Mayor Hoes confirm that the plan has recently been discussed, but discern the letter. According to Rieu's spokesperson Kerstin Cornelis, the "underground garage" was recently discussed when they were meeting together in planning an international conference on lung ailments.
Mayor Hoes said that "it would be viewed in a positive way". Spokesperson Bram Loeffen of the city indicated that Hoes told Rieu, this was not within his jurisdiction and he would forward the plan to the responsible alderman. "And that he did. Anything more than that has not been promised. Just to view plans positively. That we always do".
Thanks to John for ©Translating this.

Jun 16, 2011

Marc Rieu July Painting Exhibition in Maastricht

MARC RIEU PAINTING EXHIBITION MAASTRICHT 2011
Marc Rieu (son of André Rieu) will be exhibiting his paintings again for the second year in the Vrijthof Theater on the days of the Maastricht Concerts. The exhibition will start on Thursday July 14th at 2:00 ... Exhibition hours July 15, 16, 17, then 22, 23, 24, are from 1:00 to 5:00. All are Welcome and Admission is FREE.
A Little About Marc Rieu

Who Am I: My name is Marc Rieu and on the 1st of November 1978, I was born in Maastricht, one of the most beautiful cities in Holland. My passion for painting began as early as 1990, the Vincent van Gogh year. I saw a wonderful television series during the last year of primary school. Besides a rising interest in painting, another wish came up: after finishing high school, I would love to study history of art.
Studies: In 1990, I immediately began drawing- and painting lessons under the supervision of a Maastricht artist, with whom I had several years education. 1998, I started my studies "History of Art and Archeology" in Nijmegen; I finished this in 2006 with a Bachelor Degree, writing a thesis about two landscape painters of the 19th century (Caspar David Friedrich and Johan Christian Dahl).
Future: “Yesterday was history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift – that’s why we call it the present!” I love this quote! I simply don´t know what the future will bring to me, but I hope I can still make paintings for a long time. I also hope I can share this passion with many people. Let me take you to my world of dreams ... to my fantasies ... translated to the white canvas with acrylic and oil paint.
You can read/see more on Marc's Website at: http://www.marcrieu.com/en/  

Jun 15, 2011

Four Interested in Buying Rieu's "Schönbrunn"


Four Interested in Buying Rieu's "Schönbrunn"
MAASTRICHT-- Four seriously interested parties have reported to André Rieu and are interested in buying his replica of the Viennese Schönbrunn Castle.
Recently the orchestra leader has placed his decor for sale. How much the world's largest transportable decor in the world (125 meters wide, 35 meters high and 30 meters wide with ballroom, ice rinks and fountains) has to bring in, is not being divulged according to Rob Meijer of the auction company which handles the sale. "But back then, it cost around ten million Euros".
Thanks to Ineke for sending this and John for Translating it.

Jun 14, 2011

André Rieu Maastricht 2011 Live to Australia/NZ

 
 Maastricht Concert LIVE to Australia/NZ July 24th
CinemaLive delivers direct via satellite to a cinema near you, André Rieu captured live and in English, in his home town Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Affectionately known as the ‘King Of Waltz’; André Rieu is well known to international audiences having sold in excess of over 22 million CDs and DVDs worldwide. His performances have become legendary. An accomplished performer, André believes that classical music should be enjoyed by everyone.
Each year he performs a series of concerts in his hometown of Maastricht in The Netherlands. These concerts are performed in front of thousands of fans and set amongst the cultural backdrop of his beautiful hometown. As always, André is joined by his famous Johann Strauss Orchestra. The Maastricht concerts are André’s most popular concerts of his yearly schedule with his most dedicated fans flying from all over the world to see this incredible event live. For André Rieu, the annual concerts he gives at the Vrijthof in Maastricht are the high point of his work.
The concert is being captured LIVE and will be delivered via satellite direct to cinemas across Australia and New Zealand on Sunday July 24th. The performance will screen at 11am (AEST) and 3pm (AEST), timeshifted for your enjoyment. Not all cinemas will screen both sessions and local program times will vary – please check participating cinemas' local program times ..... Click on link for video and more information:
Thanks to Margaret and Rob for sending this to us.

Jun 11, 2011

André Rieu and Jan Smit in Amsterdam Arena

André Rieu and Jan Smit Together in Amsterdam Arena

André Rieu will let thousands of his fans sway with his violin music. With his huge orchestra he again landed in the Arena. André is not the only big star, Jan Smit is his special guest ...
André Rieu may be flying all across the globe in order to have every continent waltz, but his violin still sounds the best on Dutch soil. The copy of the Viennese castle was again erected in our capital.
In order to entice some fresh blood to his performances tonight, none other than Jan Smit was invited to sing a few tunes. In total these gentlemen will conduct three performances this Pentecostal weekend.
As shown in the picture above, the men are very busy rehearsing today ......... Click on the link to watch the video interview with English subtitles that was with the article:
Thanks to John for ©Translating this

Jun 8, 2011

Concord Pipe Band With André Rieu in Amsterdam

The Concord Pipe Band to Perform With André Rieu
HENGELO - Performing in a packed football stadium, is a dream for many amateur musicians, but somehow will never come true. But for the members of the Hengelo Concord Pipe Band it is gradually becoming a bit of a routine.
In the coming Pentecost weekend they will be playing in the Amsterdam Arena, at the invitation of André Rieu himself. The Maastricht maestro will give three concerts there with his orchestra. The Hengelo pipers and drummers will play in the pre-program as well as during the ending of the concert along with Rieu's orchestra. Hengelo pipers and drummers are therefore afforded an opportunity to play along with three other pipe bands from the Netherlands, totaling about eighty musicians.
The Concord Pipe Band has previously and on several occasions performed with Rieu and his orchestra, in places such as Berlin, Düsseldorf, Cologne, the Gelredome in Arnhem and on the Vrijthof in Maastricht. The concerts in the Amsterdam Arena, will take place on Saturday, Sunday and Monday afternoon.

Thanks to Ineke for sending this article and John for ©Translating it.

Jun 6, 2011

Cats Bring People Together by Mirusia


Cats Do Bring People Together
Mirusia is a soprano and has been performing for almost four years with André Rieu. Since she travels all over the world, she is therefore not able to keep any cats herself. Fortunately she can enjoy the cats of her fan and Majesty (Magazine) reader Suzy.

Dear Majesty, my name is Mirusia. I am a Soprano songstress from Australia, who for almost four years has been performing with André Rieu. I would like to tell you a nice story which might also be of interest to your Majesty readers.
For almost four years now I have lived in the Netherlands, after having lived in Australia, where I was born, my entire life. I grew up with Siamese cats, which we also bred. When I moved to the Netherlands, I felt sorry having to leave my two tomcats, Sascha and Joey, behind in Australia. To be able to perform all over the world with André Rieu was for me super important, and also very nice. I have been touring with André since 2007 and have a lot of fun with my work, and also together with André recorded a number one platinum record in Australia. Last year I also published a solo CD "Always and Forever", which is now number one on the classical list, and has in the meantime also been released in the Netherlands.
But one thing was not so nice: every time I returned from tour to my cold and empty apartment in Maastricht, I missed my cats. When I returned to Australia for a couple of weeks a year, I could see them again. They were starting to age, and Sascha passed away a week before I was to return to Australia in May 2010. Joey was alone and you’d notice he was grieving.
During my vacation in Australia, my Mum and I were walking through a shopping center and saw a pet store display case, filled with darling Ragdoll kittens. Only one came to us, a fluffy little tomcat with a big black spot on its nose. He sort of resembled a koala. I named him "Blinky Bill" after an Australian cartoon featuring a koala. After having gone back to the store four times, I took my Mum there on Mother’s Day to buy "Blinky Bill" for her as a present. She was so upset over Sascha’s death, and we expected that his left behind brother would soon pass away too due to grief.
Blinky was the best present I ever could have given my Mum, because a week later we actually had to put Joey to sleep. He was so despondent and ill.
Australian Songstress Misses Her Cats ...
After a few weeks I returned to the Netherlands to tour again with André, but I missed Blinky very much. Since I have been touring with André over the entire world I have acquired a lot of fans. I try to stay in contact with them as much as I can, but at times it is impossible to answer every e-mail, although I do read each and every one.
One day I received a very nice e-mail from a lady, who also happens to be living in Maastricht. Her name is Suzy. She knew some of my colleagues, and the reason she wrote me was that she had read about Blinky on my Face Book website. She wrote me that if I was missing Blinky so badly, I could always come to her house and cuddle with her ragdoll cat, Ollie.
We’ve had lots of contacts via the internet, and then one day, I finally had the time to pay her and Ollie a visit. And not only Ollie, but also her other three tomcats! It was very nice to once again be surrounded by cats, and also to finally meet Suzy. She is so kind towards her animals and her four tomcats are really beautiful. She has a Ragdoll, a Siamese, a Maine Coon and one she rescued from the streets. We have a lot in common and talk about cats and the funny experiences we encountered with them. So we have developed a nice friendship. I am always welcome at her place to cuddle with her cats which I like very much. She loaned me your Majesty magazine, and thought it would be nice to share this story. Cats do bring people together ... Mirusia
Thanks to 'Suzy' for sending this article to us and John for ©Translating it.

Jun 1, 2011

André Rieu in North Korea?


André Rieu Will Only Go to N. Korea When There is Peace
On Kim ll Sung Square there is room for 200,000 viewers
Maastricht June 1, 2011: On Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, the Maastricht citizens André Rieu and his Orchestra could perform a concert there for 200,000 viewers.Rieu received an invitation to perform from the North Korean Government. Rieu's son Pierre visited the most closed off dictatorship of the world and also looked at several locations." It is extraordinary to suddenly be sitting at the table with these people having a bite to eat," says Pierre Rieu. He revealed this news last week during the next to last episode of "De Wereld Draait Door". (The World Keeps on Going)
In between all the e-mails Rieu receives daily, there was a few months ago, an e-mail from the North Korean Ambassador, with the question if the Waltz King would like to travel to this Communist country. "Pierre wanted to throw it away, but I wanted to act on it. I immediately envisioned having North and South Korea waltzing together," explains André.
Through Gerd Leers, the Rieu's were placed in contact with the proper responsible individuals in the Foreign Affairs Office. Pierre Rieu: "We were immediately warned not to fall for any communist propaganda. Because we cannot forget that the people will be treated to a concert during the day, but will go to bed hungry at night." Son Pierre later flew to Pyongyang and even showed the party bosses a stage design. "They were wildly enthusiastic." Dad André: "We were promised instantly that we could, at the expense of North Korea, fly directly in a private jet aircraft to North Korea. Neither costs nor efforts appeared to be a problem."
Once back in Maastricht, North Korea would e-mail or call daily with the question whether Rieu knew when he was coming or not. André: "I know the exact moment. When North Korea makes peace with South Korea, then we will perform a peace concert on Kim Il Sung Square. And I also let them know that. However, since from that time on, I have not heard a word from Asia." ........ Jurgen Simon
Thanks to Suzy for sending this to us and John for ©Translating it. 

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Pierre and André September 30, 2016 Maastricht

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Photo Taken at Mexico City Concert ~ September 2013

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"Hello to all my fans on The Harmony Parlor!"


Soundcheck in Maastricht 2013 (RTL Photo)



Maastricht 2012 ~ "André on The Theater Steps" by Bee

Maastricht 2012 ~ "André and Pierre on The Theater Steps" by Bee

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